A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Hood River for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Providence or Hood River?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Providence and Hood River. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Providence and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Providence and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Providence is known for its museums. Hood River is more touristy than Providence and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hood River and Providence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a good destination for skiing. However, Providence is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Providence is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Providence or Hood River?

Providence is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Providence or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Providence and Hood River can be an enjoyable experience.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Providence and Hood River.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River is a great town for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Hood River?

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Hood River both offer plenty of good spots.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Hood River is a great destination for shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Families?

Hood River is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hood River. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Couples?

Hood River is a great town for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hood River is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Hood River is not popular with students.

Is Providence or Hood River Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Providence is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Providence or Hood River a more walkable city?

Providence is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Providence is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

For even more information, also check out Is Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Providence?

How long in Providence or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Providence and Hood River. In our opinion, Hood River has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hood River than Providence. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hood River than Providence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hood River, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hood River than Providence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hood River that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River than Providence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hood River.

One day in Providence or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Providence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the scenic town of Hood River, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Providence, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Hood River, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Providence or Hood River?

Providence, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Hood River?

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Providence and Hood River, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Providence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Providence than you might in Hood River.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Providence Expensive? and Is Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Providence or Hood River?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Hood River, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Providence or Hood River?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Providence or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Hood River. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Providence is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 73°F (23°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Hood River. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Providence or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Hood River. Many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Providence is around the same temperature as Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the autumn, Providence often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Providence is much colder than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Providence in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Providence usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Hood River. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Providence or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Providence is generally cooler than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 48°F (9°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Providence. In the spring, Providence often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Providence